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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Honore on July 26, 2007, at 11:33:05
Has anyone here tried to change their writing style when they changed posting identities, to preserve their anonymity?
Did you feel it worked, or was it too hard to continue long-term?
Or did you feel that your style wasn't identifying enough to need to be changed?
Do you think about your writing style as something that is distinctive?
Any other thoughts on how writing style can preserve or undermine either identity or desire for privacy?
Any thoughts on this subject will contribute to a paragraph on the subject of privacy and anonymity in online message boards, for a workshop at next year's APA. Of course, I would respect anyone's desire for anonymity, and wouldn't use any quotes or contributions without permission.
Thanks a lot,
Honore
Posted by Sigismund on July 26, 2007, at 16:15:14
In reply to Changing writing style when changing posting ID?, posted by Honore on July 26, 2007, at 11:33:05
>Do you think about your writing style as something that is distinctive?
Yes yes yes. Not just mine. Writing style is what we have to go on. Writing style is personality here.
I wonder how easy it would be to change styles?
Maybe it would be like acting, or having a couple of personas. I could imagine doing that, but it would be hard. I wouldn't mind two posting identities. Like, mark out aspects of character, some go to Sigismund, some go to Declan. Arguing with myself in public.
Posted by gardenergirl on July 26, 2007, at 18:13:04
In reply to Re: Changing writing style when changing posting I » Honore, posted by Sigismund on July 26, 2007, at 16:15:14
That's one of the reasons I didn't change my name after resigning as deputy. I figured it would be too hard, and I'd be unsuccessful trying to change my "voice". Plus, I would miss my snorts. :)
gg
Posted by OzLand on July 26, 2007, at 22:36:54
In reply to Changing writing style when changing posting ID?, posted by Honore on July 26, 2007, at 11:33:05
I think one could change the writing style, but it is much harder to change the facts of one's life. So to that extent, if someone really wanted to, I think that person could figure out who you are even if you changed your writing style.
OzLand
Posted by ClearSkies on July 27, 2007, at 9:52:02
In reply to Changing writing style when changing posting ID?, posted by Honore on July 26, 2007, at 11:33:05
Even though I've been very transparent when changing my posting names, I think that anyone would be able to tell that Rainyday is the same as PartlyCloudy is the same as ClearSkies is the same as Scratchpad by my style.
What changes in my style is within my state-o-mind. When I'm disturbed I forgo most of my punctuation.But I still think people would be able to read and see my character come through.
I think if I tried really hard, I'd be able to come up with different writing styles but wouldn't be able to sustain it for any length of time. And I wouldn't want to do it to intentionally lead people to believe I was anyone than who I am.
Which is
ClearSkies
Posted by Honore on July 27, 2007, at 19:59:18
In reply to Re: Changing writing style when changing posting I » Honore, posted by ClearSkies on July 27, 2007, at 9:52:02
ln the interests of clarity, that the boards aren't being used for research, the discussion in this thread won't be used for the presentations.
I very much appreciate everyone who responded, though, and have found these ideas very useful, and provocative for my own thinking.
Thanks a lot to everyone.
Honore
This is the end of the thread.
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